The Evolution Site
The theory of evolution by natural selection is the unifying force of modern biology. It combines disciplines such as microbiology, palaeontology, genetics and palaeontology.
However the study of evolution is often controversial, and the misinformation that results can confuse people about its basic concepts. This site clarifies essential concepts.
What is Evolution?
Modern evolutionary theory focuses on the gradual and cumulative changes that happen in populations over time. These changes are the results of natural selection. This is a process that increases the number of organisms with beneficial traits, which allow them to survive and reproduce in particular environments. They produce more offspring as a result of the beneficial characteristics. This causes the genetic changes that can eventually lead to the development of new species.
The term "evolution" is often associated with "survival-of-the best" which implies that people who are better adaptable to specific environmental conditions will have a distinct advantage over those less well-adapted. In actuality this is just one of the many different ways in which evolution can occur.
Another popular way in which the word evolution is used is to suggest that a species will eventually move from one state of being to the next one. This type of view of evolution is referred to as anagenetic or cladogenesis. The scientific definition of evolution does not support this idea. Instead, the theory of evolution that is scientifically based is based on the changes that happen within populations over time and these changes are the result of genetic mutations and natural selection.
Charles Darwin was one of the scientists who backed this idea. Alfred Russel Wallace who developed the macroevolution theory believed that this was the only way that higher living forms could have evolved.
In order for a concept to be called a theory, it must be capable of standing up to rigorous tests and evidence. Evolution has stood the test of time and has been backed by numerous scientific disciplines ranging from biology to geology, from astronomy to chemistry. Evolution is the foundation of science and is supported by the majority of scientists across the world. Many people are confused about the nature of evolution theory and how it connects with religion.
What is the Theory of Evolution (Evolutionary Theory)?
Evolution is a scientific explanation of how living things change over time. It is based on a variety of well-established observations such as the fact that more offspring are created than are likely to survive; that individuals differ from each other in their physical characteristics (phenotype) and that various traits have different rates of reproduction and survival; and that traits can be passed down to the next generation. These findings are backed by a growing amount of evidence from molecular biology, palaeontology and climatology functional morphology geology.
Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed the theory of evolution by selection in the mid-19th century as a way to explain how organisms adapt to their biological and physical environments. It is the most widely supported and validated theory in science. Its predictions have been proved out by the evidence that, for instance more complex organisms tend to have fewer genetic mutations than simpler ones. The more successful an organism is in terms of survival and reproducing, the more likely it is to pass its genes on to the next generation.
Some people oppose evolution because they believe that it implies that there is no meaning to life. However, a lot of scientists who are also religious, such as the prominent Cambridge palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris, believe that evolution is not just compatible with belief in God but is enhanced by it (BioLogos 2014).
In fact, a large number of highly skilled evolutionary biologists, including a few who are revered evangelical Christian leaders have been involved in the creation and testing of the theory of evolution. Many of these researchers have contributed to the understanding of a wide variety of phenomena such as phylogenetics, genomics and the formation and function of fossils.
The word "theory" is sometimes used in a wrong sense to mean an assumption or speculation, when in fact it is a scientific hypothesis that has been thoroughly evaluated and refined over time. Scientists test their theories by repeating the experiment or observations that resulted in them. Thus, the theory of evolution has been repeatedly tested out as have the corresponding theories of Copernican, germ and atomic theory.
What is the Process of Evolution?
The process of evolution is a gradual shift in the proportions of genetically diverse individuals within a species over time. This change is a result of natural selection, which favors individuals who are better adapted to their environment. The more adapted individuals have a higher chance of survival and reproduction. As more of these people survive and reproduce, their genes are more prevalent in the population. This process is sometimes called "survival for the fittest."
According to the theory of evolution the mutations that cause genomic variation are the raw basis for evolutionary change. These mutations can occur randomly or be influenced by the environment. If mutations are random, the frequency of the resultant alleles could differ from generation to generation. If a mutation is beneficial it will increase the allele frequency which causes the allele to spread throughout the population.
As time passes, these changes in allele frequencies can lead to the formation of new species. The new species may grow and evolve into newer forms. This is known as macroevolution. The formation of an entirely new species is typically caused by changes in the environment which provide certain types of resources available or create new environmental problems. 에볼루션 카지노 of finches in the Galapagos Islands, for example, is due to the availability of fresh food and the necessity to defend themselves against predators.
In a larger sense the term "evolution" refers to any change that takes place in the characteristics of organisms over the course of time. The change could be subtle, such as the development of new coloration or dramatic, like the development of an organ.
Scientists who believe in the theory of evolution generally recognize the importance of genetic change in generating evolution. They also believe that evolution is a process that occurs over time, typically over a period of millions of years. They differ on the importance of various factors that can accelerate or slow down this process. For instance the role played by sexual selection, environmental pressures and mutation bias. Despite these disagreements, most scientists still believe that evolution is real and the evidence to prove it is overwhelming.
What evidence can be found for evolution?
Throughout the years since Darwin's time, scientists have gathered evidence to support Darwin's theory of evolution. This evidence is gathered from fossils that show the evolution of organisms over time. Similarities between living organisms as well as embryology, biogeography, and genetics are also evidence.
The most important proof of evolution can be found in the evolutionary tree, which illustrates how different species are related. Another source of evidence is homologous structures, which have similar structure in different species, but serve different purposes like the wings of bats and birds. Evolution is evident in that different species adapt and grow to similar environments. For example, arctic foxes and ptarmigans develop seasonal white pelts to blend into snow and ice. This is a type of convergent evolutionary process which suggests that the species share ancestral ancestors.
The vestiges of structures are another source of evidence. These are a part of an organism that could serve a function in the past. The human appendix, for example is an odour from an organ that was once used to digest food. Natural selection causes the structures to shrink when they are no longer used.
Scientists have also collected evidence of evolution through observation and experimenting. Evidence for evolution is divided into six categories: directly observable small-scale changes in biogeographic distribution as well as comparative anatomy, fossil record, classification and genetics. Each of these categories offers convincing evidence for the evolution of life.
While many people are misinformed about the theory of evolution it is an empirical fact. It isn't only a theory, it is a powerful collection of years of observations and data that has been proven and tested. Regardless of what people believe or deny about the theory of evolution scientists continue to research and gather new information to better know the story of life on Earth. This knowledge will allow scientists to better understand how to prevent future global catastrophes, and how best to make use of the resources on our planet. This information will also allow us to better meet the needs and wants of the people who live on this planet.
